Sponsor Rich Swan

“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the water to create many ripples… We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean, but the ocean would be less because of that missing drop.”

These Mother Theresa quotes give me inspiration to overcome anxieties about whether I have the stamina to do this walk and in asking for your help to be one of those ripples or drops. 

After years of practicing law, I began to search for other ways to make a difference in the lives of others. For the last 28 years, I have served wonderful loyal customers by selling Colorado souvenirs. During that time, we learned about and began supporting Lalmba because we were impressed with their mission and dedicated staff and volunteers. They have helped so many with so little by doing so much with scant resources. 

At 68 years old, I want to remind myself, my children and grandkids that on a daily basis, millions in the world walk miles for clean drinking water, basic health care or a simple education. As a kid, I remember my mom telling us to eat the food on our plates “because there are children starving in Africa.” We currently help a man my exact age that still plows land with an ox to feed himself. No government aid or tax funded programs, let alone a cell phone or means of transportation. And yet I/we fret over “first world” problems or not having the latest gadget. 

Which brings me to why I am walking, despite hesitation about blisters, fatigue and fundraising.

I have been blessed with so much and this is a way for me to “pay it forward” by helping others. Unlike other donors and volunteers, I have no medical training, but I can walk to raise funds! And while I walk, I can put my life in perspective, nourish my soul and connect my circle of family/friends/customers/acquaintances with impoverished people who walk for miles every day for basic necessities that we take for granted.

I love adventure and often wonder what life would be like if I had been born in another culture. Some of my most vivid memories as a child were watching shows about people providing medical care to sick children in distant lands. By going on this adventure, and humbly asking for your prayers and support, together we can make a difference and become part of the ocean. 

With deep appreciation and gratitude, and on behalf of those Lalmba serves, may God bless you!